Jammu Kashmir is the northern most state in the Indian subcontinent. No wonder people refer Jammu Kashmir tourist places as Switzerland of India. It is compared to a paradise given the lush green spots and snowy mountains around the year. You can find temples, forts, lakes, palaces, and mountains all in one place. There are valleys on one side, beautiful and serene lakes on the other amidst the great mountains. Know more about the tourist places near Jammu in this article. We are here to guide you with where to visit, what to do and things to look out for in tourist spots in Jammu and kashmir.
Places To Visit In Jammu Kashmir:
Look out and continue reading to know more of Jammu kashmir tourist places with pictures. Here we have listed out in detail Jammu kashmir tourist places near Jammu.
1. Srinagar:
When you talk about famous tourist places in Jammu kashmir, the first thing which comes to our mind is Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir Valley. Srinagar is the capital of the state of Jammu and is situated in the heart of the Kashmir Valley. The most attractive places in Srinagar are its lakes and the house boats where people can stay. Some places which tourists must visit are Dal Lake, Nishat Bagh, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat, Kheer Bhavani, etc.
- Highlights of the Tour: There are several important tourist spots in this city like beautiful Dal Lake, Pari Mahal, Shankaracharya temple and so on. These include both religious sights and scenic beauty sights …what else do we need!
- Things to Do: Aquatic activities like canoeing, water surfing, kayaking, can be done. Further, boat ride or even house boat stay in the famous Dal Lake is must do a thing here in this city.
- Best Time to Visit: The best thing about the city is one can visit all around the city, so it totally depends on you, whether you like the lush green hills and city spaces or snowy mountains?
- Peak Season: Summers are generally peak seasons
- Nearest City: Srinagar
- How to Reach: One can directly fly to this area as it has an airport or you can take the train from major Indian cities like Delhi, one can reach by road too, but they are dangerous, given the geographical location.
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu,and English
- Ideal Duration: Three days is enough to spend here.
2. Amarnath:
Next in the list of tourist places in Jammu kashmir is the famous Amarnath Yatra. Amarnath is famous for its Yatra during the month of Shravan, around July – August. It starts from the Amarnath Cave, known to be the abode of Lord Shiva. For the Yatra, people have to trek to a height of about 14,500 ft, though this might seem scary, the beautiful picturesque view of valleys and mountains and the surrounding beauty might boost one’s enthusiasm.
- Highlights of the Tour: The beautiful valleys and mountains around the sites are worth enjoying.
- Things to Do: Trekking is fun. Further religious offerings and activities are around the site
- Best Time to Visit: July to August
- Peak Season: Same time when Yatra is held is the peak season here.
- Nearest City: Srinagar is 140 km away
- How to Reach: One can either hire cabs to reach Pahalgam and then do atrek to reach Amarnath
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Hindi, English
- Ideal Duration: It takes around five days
3. Vaishno Devi:
Next in the list of Jammu Srinagar tourist places is the Vaishno Devi temple. The famous Vaishno Devi temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess. It is said that the Goddess spent some time in a cave, which is at an altitude of 5,200 ft, and thus it is considered to be sacred. It is the second most religious site in India with nearly 60,000 visitors every year. This is among Jammu kashmir tourist places near Katra.
- Highlights of the Tour: The famous temple where offerings and prayers are done is worth visiting and a lifetime experience.
- Things to Do: One can do a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, there is horse riding for adventure lovers nearby. There is also river rafting in the Chenabriver, which is a tourist spot near Katra Jammu.
- Best Time to Visit: This tourist place in Katra Jammu opens all around a year but the best time to visit this tourist place in Katra Jammu is between March to October.
- Peak Season: Summers and October is peak time given holidays and also Puja times.
- Nearest City: Jammu is the nearest city
- How to Reach: This is among Jammu Tawi tourist places, and the nearest airport is Jammu Tawi. The nearest railway station is Sri Vaishno Devi Katra railway station.
- Languages Spoken: Dogri and Hindi
- Ideal Duration: One can spend as much as time as one desires here.
[See More: Parks in Jammu & Kashmir]
4. Panitop:
The landscapes of Panitop are covered with pastoral land in summers and full of snow in winters. Tourists, who come from out of the station just to spend some time of quietness, and to refresh themselves, might like to spend some time in Panitop.This is a tourist place near Vaishno Devi Jammu.
- Highlights of the Tour: Snowy mountains during winters is the highlight of the place, it can be described as though a white carpet has been laid all over
- Things to Do: Paragliding in summers and skiing is winters are common. This is must do for all the adventure lovers.
- Best Time to Visit: December to March given snow time
- Peak Season: Summers is peak season here
- Nearest City: Jammu is the nearest city, 110 km away from Panitop
- How to Reach: Local bus or taxi can be taken from Jammu kashmir tourist places. This can take three to four hours journey. One can also fly to Jammu and take a taxi
- Languages Spoken: Urdu, Hindi,and Kashmiri
- Ideal Duration: Two to three days would be ideally sufficient to visit the places here. The main thing here is to experience the place.
5. Gulmarg:
The next in Jammu and Srinagar tourist spots is the famous Gulmarg. Gulmarg in Hindi means meadow of flowers and name is apt for this hill station, as it is full of flowers. The most common flowers are daisies, forget-me-nots, buttercups, and bluebells. Gulmarg is 2730 meters above sea level which also gives the views of the snow capped mountains. The must-see attractions are Gandola, Ski lodge, Khilanmargalpathar lake, and ningli Nalla.
- Highlights of the Tour: Gulmarg’s green golf courses, Gondola Life are two famous tourist spots one must visit these scenic spots of beauty to experience the once in a lifetime feeling
- Things to Do: One can do the horse riding and enjoy the beauty of Gulbarg. Do not miss out on skiing in case you are an adventure lover.
- Best Time to Visit: All around the year, it all depends whether you love snowy mountains or lush greenery around
- Peak Season: Summers is the peak season here
- Nearest City: Srinagar
- How to Reach: You can fly to Srinagar and take a taxi to easily reach this place as it is 60 km away from the city
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi,and English
- Ideal Duration: 2 days
6. Bhaderwah:
The Bhaderwah is called the Mini Kashmir as this town is blessed with beautiful woodlands, streams flowing into different places in the town. Bhaderwah has historical places and religious places as well. This is also one of the famous tourist places in Jammu kashmir.
- Highlights of the Tour: The beautiful landscape and historical sites are must-see here.This small town is called as Mini Kashmir given the picturesque beauty around.
- Things to Do: Enjoy the experience of being in a village and look around to understand their cultural heritage and religious beliefs
- Best Time to Visit: All around the year
- Peak Season: Summers
- Nearest City: Udhampur
- How to Reach: Fly to Satwari airport and take a taxi to this place,or you can get down in Udhampur railway station and take a taxi here as well
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu,and Hindi
- Ideal Duration: 2 days.
[See More: Jammu & Kashmir Festivals]
7. Leh:
Who does not know this famous tourist spot in Jammu kashmir? Leh consists of many mountains, which merge into an oasis of green lands. The Leh Palace is one place which tourists should not miss out on, and then there are numerous monasteries too. Leh is a good place to shop, where turquoise and silver jewelry are imported from Burma and Tibet.The main attractions here are Nubra Valley, Leh Palace, Shanti Stupa and Thiksay monastery.
- Highlights of the Tour: Handicrafts and traditional clothes are in demand here, so enjoy experiencing the local goods along with learning about the local culture and traditions.
- Things to Do: There are numerous sports that tourists can opt for like hiking, trekking, polo, etc.
- Best Time to Visit: June to October every year
- Peak Season: Summers
- Nearest City: Leh
- How to Reach: You can directly fly to Leh from major cities in India. Further, you can take road to catch beautiful sceneries from Manali roadway
- Languages Spoken: Ladakhi,Tibetan, Urdu,and Hindi
- Ideal Duration: 3 to 4 days can be ideally spent here.
8. Udhampur:
Udhampur is the second largest city of Jammu, named after King Udham Singh. It is situated amidst eucalyptus forests and has a subtropical climate. Best places to visit in this city would be, Baba Dhansar, Krimchi Temples, Bhimgarh Fort, Sheesh Mahal, Babore Temples, etc.
- Highlights of the Tour: Enjoy the fort and historical places here along with beautiful carvings in temples
- Things to Do: Experience the beauty of small towns in Jammu kashmir tourist places
- Best Time to Visit: All around the year can be the best time to visit here
- Peak Season: May to June are peak seasons to visit here
- Nearest City: Udhampur itself is a city. Jammu is 72 km away from here.
- How to Reach: You can take the train to Udhampur as it has a railway station or take a taxi from Jammu
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Hindi,and Urdu
- Ideal Duration: Two days
9. Sonamarg:
Forget not Sonamarg in the list of tourist places in Jammu. Sonamarg has been named ‘Meadow of Gold’ due to the beautiful picturesque snowy mountains and the clear blue sky. There are lush green meadows where the tourists can have some quiet time and a perfect place for picnics. Places to visit are Vishansar Lake, Zojila Pass, Thajwas Glacier, etc.
- Highlights of the Tour: The blend of lush green valleys, snowy mountains,and lakes can give one innumerable beautiful memories
- Things to Do: For those adventure lovers, you can do the great Kashmir trek. Further one can get amazing local things from the markets here.
- Best Time to Visit: April to October
- Peak Season: May to June
- Nearest City: Srinagar is 70 km away from Sonamarg
- How to Reach: You can take a taxi to reach here from Jammu or Srinagar
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi,and English
- Ideal Duration: 2 days are ideal for spending here
10. Pahalgam:
Last, but not the least there is one more place on our must-visit list and in the best visited in Jammu Srinagar tourist spots. Pahalgam is full of vegetation and coniferous trees. The meadows look beautiful and make it a sure to visit place. Attractions to visit here are Pahalgam Golf Course, Betaab Valley, Chandanwari, Mamaleshwar Temple, Tulian Lake, etc.
- Highlights of the Tour: Enjoy the beautiful valleys and go for horse riding here
- Things to Do: Tourists can do a lot of adventure sports like horse riding, canoeing, etc.
- Best Time to Visit: April to September
- Peak Season: May to July
- Nearest City: Srinagar is 95 km away from this tourist spot in Jammu
- How to Reach: You can take a taxi from Srinagar easily to reach here
- Languages Spoken: Kashmiri, Hindi, Urdu,and English
- Ideal Duration: 2 days are sufficient to spend here
Additional Tips:
- Jammu and Kashmir are well known to be among the best tourist spots in India. so do not miss out on any opportunity to visit any of these above places.
- Since the weather can get quite cold, do ensure to carry warm clothes.
- In case you suffer from high altitude concerns, do carry appropriate medications
- Book your accommodation in prior if you are visiting during peak seasons
- Do look out to shop for local stuff like accessories, apparel etc.
Kashmir is no wonder called Switzerland of India, given the snowcapped mountains and valleys around with several lakes. The state can cater to the needs of every kind of traveler, be it sightseeing individual or adventure lovers. There are sufficient things to see, do and also indulge in adventure sports and trekking. Do let us know your comments and what you think about this place after you visit and would love to hear more about your experiences there.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
1. Is accommodation costly in the Jammu and Kashmir?
Accommodation is available to cater to the needs of all throughout the state. There are houseboats available too. One can easily get luxury accommodations as well as budgeted ones in all the locations within the state.
2. What is famous food to try out there when you visit?
Firstly, do not miss out on Kashmiri tea which is well known here. further,there must try dishes would include Rogan josh, pulao, yogurt lamb curries, dum Olav and aloogosht.
3. What are the famous local things to buy and shop when you are around Jammu and Kashmir?
Do not miss out on Pashmina shawls. They are beautiful and intricate woven shawls one must definitely buy. Further one can try purchasing spices, tea powder, carpets in places like Polo View Market, and LalChowk in Srinagar.
